…We shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
— Romans 14:10

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
— 2 Corinthians 5:10

The fact is that soon everything in this world will pass away. Only those things that were done for Jesus — in obedience to Him — will last for eternity. In light of this truth, it’s imperative that we frequently examine our hearts to determine our real spiritual condition. If we find areas that need improvement, the Holy Spirit will help us correct those areas that are out of harmony with Him.

The Bible says that a day is coming when we will all stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ to give an account for what we’ve done with His Word and with His plan for our lives. Romans 14:10 says, “…For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.” And Second Corinthians 5:10 says, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.”

It’s important to understand that this is not the Great White Throne Judgment (see Revelation 20:11), before which unbelievers will stand and give account to God for their lack of faith. The Judgment Seat of Christ speaks of the moment in God’s timeline when Christians will be rendered eternal rewards — or where they will discover that they have accumulated no eternal reward — according to their works in their lifetime.

The word “judgment seat” is a translation of the Greek word bema, a word that described an official place where judgments and rewards were rendered to those who stood before an official judge. Paul used this word to emphatically warn us that a time will come when each of us will stand before Christ, answer for what we have done, and be rewarded or not rewarded accordingly. The books will be opened and everything will be made known, including the motives of men’s hearts (see 1 Corinthians 4:5).

Since a day is coming when the truth will be revealed, wouldn’t it be better for you and me to take an honest look at ourselves right now so we can get things completely right in our hearts before that great day when we stand before Christ?

I’ve prepared the following questions to help you see areas of your spiritual life that may need attention. These are questions I regularly ask myself to keep my own heart open and pliable in the hands of the Holy Spirit. I pray they are as helpful to you as they are to me. They’re not meant to be condemning. I share them with you only to help you determine if there are areas in which you need divine assistance and change. I know that I will give account one day for the way I truthfully answer the following basic questions — so for me, this is a meaningful starting point to help me regularly make sure my heart is right.

Prayerfully consider asking these questions for yourself, bringing them before the Lord so He can help you keep your heart aligned with His and walk in the light of His truth for your life.

What do I give to God financially?

Does your giving show that the Kingdom of God and world missions are still your heartbeat — something you deeply value?

Since actions really do speak louder than words, it would be a healthy exercise for all of us to look at our financial giving and see what our giving reveals about our priorities.

What do my spending habits and my acquisition of personal possessions say about me and my character?

Do you spend money on possessions that you know should have been used in the expansion of the Gospel in places where its voice needs to be heard? If so, what changes do you need to make?

We can all mislead ourselves to think we’re more generous than we really are. But if God Himself gave His view of our spending habits, what would He say about us? Would He say that the propagation of the Gospel is the most important thing to us — or that our spending habits reveal that our own comforts are most important? We must be willing to allow Him to deal with us and then make changes as He lovingly touches those areas of our lives that need improvement.

What am I doing with my time?

How you use your time is a great indicator of what you really deem as import- ant. Do you spend time with God and His Word as a top priority in your life? Or do you somehow find time to watch television, go to the movies, or do other things you want to do while failing to find time to saturate your heart in the Word?

A good question we could ask ourselves is this: If God looked at our lives and measured what we love most by the things we give our time to, what would He say we loved the most in life?

Whom am I really serving with my talents?

An honest answer to this question will reveal the depth of your commitment to God and to the local church. Serving the Lord means that you have willingly given Him the final say about what you do with your time — and that you are willing to make time to serve in the local body He has set you in.

Is there anything you’re laying down or sacrificing in order to walk in obedience and service to God? Are you willing to be inconvenienced to help someone else or to serve in the church — to jeopardize your own comforts and pleasures to further the cause of Christ and make a difference in the lives of others?

Words are easily spoken, but actions prove a person’s sincerity. By looking at our lives — our talents, our gifts, and our time — would God say our actions prove we’re devoted mostly to ourselves and our own needs and interests, or would He say we’re truly living for the expansion of His Kingdom?

What do I spend most of my time praying about?

What does your prayer life reveal about you? Do you only pray about yourself, or do you pray for the needs of others also? It’s easy to think of your own needs and desires — because they’re your needs, and no one knows them like you do. There’s certainly nothing wrong with that. But how often do you focus on the needs of others when you pray? Does God hear you primarily praying for your- self, or does He hear you praying for other people too?

Would God say that your life reveals a willingness to pick up your cross to do what He asks you to? If God opened the books to reveal the sacrifices you’ve made in response to Him, would the records reveal that you care deeply about pleasing Him and living in obedience to His commands, both in His Word and His specific direction for your life?

I believe these questions, though basic, are a good starting point to examine ourselves to determine our spiritual gauge. If the needle points toward “empty” or even “half full,” we need to spend time in the presence of God to be refilled and resupplied. None of us wants to look ashamedly into the eyes of Jesus on that great day — on what should be one of the most wonderful days in our eternal lives!

I want to encourage you to take time to think over the questions in this Sparkling Gem and let the Holy Spirit shine His light upon your life. Then through time in prayer and in God’s Word, let Him tell you what action you need to take to bring correction and be fully refilled and resupplied!

MY PRAYER FOR TODAY


Father, since the day is coming when I will stand before the judgment seat of Christ to be rewarded or not rewarded according to my works, please help me take a serious look at my life now and evaluate where I need to make changes. On that glorious day, I do not want to look into Jesus’ eyes while feeling regret and sadness — I want to look into His eyes, knowing that I did all He asked of me to fulfill His plan for my life. Holy Spirit, help me examine my heart and my actions to see what I need to change now. And Holy Spirit, I ask You to remind me continually that a day is coming when I will stand before Christ to answer for my life. Please keep me in remembrance of this so that I will live at all times with eternity at the forefront of my mind.

I pray this in Jesus’ name!

 

MY CONFESSION FOR TODAY


I acknowledge that I live each day with an awareness that I will stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ one day. As a result, I take a serious look at my life regularly to see where I need to make changes. I am determined that I will look into His eyes on that glorious day without regrets, knowing that I did my best to fulfill His plan for my life. Hence, I will live in obedience and yieldedness to the direction of the Holy Spirit so that I can be ready for that great and notable day.

I declare this by faith in Jesus’ name!

 

QUESTIONS FOR YOU TO CONSIDER

  1. Have you ever thought about the day when you will stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ? In what ways would your life change if you stayed more aware of that fact throughout each day?
  2. Have you ever heard a preacher or Bible teacher teach on this subject? If not, why do you think this subject has not had more attention when it deals with one of the most critical moments in our eternal existence?
  3. We will all stand at the Judgment Seat of Christ. How does that thought personally impact your heart? Why does it affect you that way? What does your answer tell you about your own spiritual confidence and condition?

So that from his [Paul’s] body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them.
— Acts 19:12

As we saw in yesterday’s Sparkling Gem, a time came when God instructed the apostle Paul that it was time for him to start his ministry in the local school of Tyrannus. Rather than fight the opposition in the synagogue — unbelieving Jews who were raising their voices against him — Paul had the wisdom to know it was time to withdraw, break camp, and relocate to new territory. Although it looked like a significant door was closing, another door was opening for him that would prove to be even more significant. And at the moment that new door swung open, it would initiate the most wonderful season of miracles Paul had ever known in his ministry!

That next season in Paul’s life literally overflowed with the supernatural. Although God had performed a great number of miracles through Paul in different phases of the apostle’s ministry, the miracles that occurred in Acts 19 were simply spectacular. During this new season in Paul’s life, special miracles exploded in his ministry. God’s power was even being released through articles of his clothing when they were laid upon the sick and those oppressed by evil spirits.

Acts 19:12 refers to this supernatural phenomenon: “So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them.” The Greek word for “handkerchief ” is soudarion, a word used to describe a garment that is wrapped about one’s head, such as the richly decorated head garments men in the Middle East wear today.

In the First Century, it was customary for wealthier, sophisticated men to wear beautifully patterned pieces of material around their heads, especially if temperatures were hot. The headdress provided protection from the sun, kept the head cool in hot weather, and soaked up sweat that would otherwise stream down the brow and face. The word “handkerchief ” in all likelihood refers to such a headdress since that was the way this particular Greek word was most commonly used.

The word “apron” is simikinthion — and it depicts a decorative garment worn around the waist for wealthy, educated, and sophisticated men. Those who gathered near the School of Tyrannus — where Paul was conducting his ministry during this time — were sophisticated intellectuals who congregated to show off, to prove their wealth, to communicate new ideas and concepts, and to share new philosophical hypotheses with others of the same socioeconomic status.

The people who gathered in this section of the city were from the “upper crust” of society and dressed appropriately for their rank. In hot temperatures, the majority of these men wore stylish headdresses with brightly colored patterns and elegant wraps around their waists. This type of clothing was a status symbol for the rich and sophisticated. It is probable that Paul was likewise dressed suitably in an expensive headpiece with an elegant wrap tied about his waist.

Some have speculated these were workers’ rags that Paul might have worn from laboring in the leather industry. However, such common worker’s attire would be completely inappropriate for the prestigious corner of Ephesus where the School of Tyrannus was located. This view is very unlikely to be true. The facts seem to point to elegant clothes that Paul wore as he taught in one of the most prestigious schools in one of the most prestigious neighborhoods of Ephesus. This is my personal view, as I believe Paul would have been appropriately dressed for the audience he was trying to reach with his message. Few of those who were gathered would have had any interest in listening to a common worker in rags. This was simply unfitting for the vicinity near the School of Tyrannus.

But what is known about these garments — whatever kind of garments they were — is that they were saturated with the anointing of God! These articles of clothing, infused with divine power, were taken from Paul’s body to be laid upon people too ill to make the journey to where the apostle was ministering. Although the text doesn’t explicitly state the details, it seems logical to assume that these articles of clothing were cut into smaller pieces so they could be taken to larger numbers of sick, diseased, and demon-possessed people who lived throughout the city of Ephesus.

This is the only record of “prayer cloths” being used in the book of Acts, so there must be a logical reason as to why this particular manifestation of God’s power happened in Ephesus. When people in Ephesus visited a pagan temple, it was common for them to “take home a piece of the power” by purchasing a fetish. They believed objects carried power.

So it seems that God met these pagans at the point of their faith. Because they believed that objects could transmit power, they believed that if they could take home a piece of Paul’s clothing, they would “take home a piece of the power” that operated in his ministry. Consequently, it is probable that these pieces of clothing were cut into smaller pieces and shared among listeners, who took them home and laid them on the sick and diseased with outstanding results. Many were miraculously healed and delivered as evil spirits went out of them.

If Paul had remained in the synagogue — arguing and debating with people who opposed him — it is likely that this flow of divine power would have never manifested in his life. But after Paul took the big step of faith, withdrew from that environment, and stepped by faith into a new territory — that’s when God unleashed levels of power that Paul had never seen or experienced theretofore. Even his clothes carried the anointing of God to the sick, diseased, and demon-possessed — and they were healed!

Just think what could happen if you moved into the next season of your life where God is calling you! You may not see the miraculous results yet, but you could be getting ready to move into the most miraculous season of your life. Just as Paul would never have dreamed God would use his clothes to transmit the anointing, it may be that God has things planned for you that are beyond your wildest imagination. He simply needs you to be in the right place at the right time — and that depends on your willingness to follow and to obey!

MY PRAYER FOR TODAY


Father, I ask You for the grace to step out of my comfort zone and into the place You have designed for me. I’ve been reluctant to let go of what is known and comfortable — but without faith, it is impossible to please You! I know that You are calling me onward and upward. I receive the courage I need to release the familiar and to step out by faith to enter the next season of my life. And, Father, just as Paul experienced miracles he had never known once he obeyed, I pray that my life will explode with miraculous answers to prayer as I step forward to obey what You are telling me to do.

I pray this in Jesus’ name!

 

MY CONFESSION FOR TODAY


I confess I have the grace to step out of my comfort zone and into the place God has designed for me. I am not afraid to let go of what is known and comfortable, because I know that God is calling me onward and upward. He gives me courage to step out in faith to enter the next season of my life. Just as Paul experienced miracles he had never known once he obeyed, my life will explode with the miraculous as I step forward to obey what the Holy Spirit is telling me to do.

I declare this by faith in Jesus’ name!

 

QUESTIONS FOR YOU TO CONSIDER

  1. Have you ever known individuals whose lives literally exploded with miraculous results once they moved from where they were to where God wanted them to be? Who were those individuals? What kind of miraculous results did they see and experience once they got into the right place?
  2. God worked unusual miracles through Paul — even saturating his clothing with His anointing so that His power to heal and deliver could be transferred onto the sick, diseased, and demon-possessed. What is the most unusual miracle you have ever heard of or observed in your life?
  3. Since we’re talking about God using articles of clothing to transmit the anointing, have you ever known someone who was healed as a result of a prayer cloth being laid upon him or her?

And he [Paul] went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God. But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus.
— Acts 19:8,9

One of the most difficult moments in life is when you realize one season has ended, and the time is right for you to move on to the next season. Perhaps you are in such a season now — when you are realizing it’s time for you to move on from where you are to the next period of your life. As you will see in today’s Sparkling Gem, this could possibly be the beginning of one of the most glorious times in your life. Let’s look at the life of the apostle Paul for an example of this kind of life transition.

When Paul’s ministry first began in Ephesus, it started out very successfully in the synagogue, but eventually a time came when that season ended, and it was time for him to move on. Acts 19:8 says that Paul entered the synagogue and “…spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God.”

Paul’s manner was so compelling that many who heard him were convinced and won over by the message they heard him preach. Yet despite Paul’s success with some of his listeners, he didn’t have this same effect on all who heard him. When many Jews began converting to Jesus Christ, the hospitable atmosphere evaporated. Acts 19:9 says, “But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them…”

The phrase “spake evil” comes from the Greek word kakologeo, which is a compound of the words kakos and logos. The word kakos describes something evil, harmful, injurious, malevolent, malicious, spiteful, or mean. The word logos simply means words. But when the two words are com-pounded, they form the word kakologeo, which describes malicious words that are deliberately devised and spoken to produce harm, hurt, and injury.

These kakos words spoken by unbelieving Jews were cleverly designed words and preplanned statements intended to damage Paul’s reputation and ruin the impact of his message and ministry. Those hostile people were spewing out premeditated, sinister, and villainous allegations in hopes of shutting Paul down. And, unfortunately, they did it publicly! That is why the verse goes on to say they spoke these words “before the multitude.” The word “multitude” probably refers to those in the synagogue, which explains why Paul made the decision to leave the synagogue at the end of that three-month period.

The opposition became so intense that Paul knew his effectiveness in the synagogue had ceased. Every time he tried to raise his voice to speak to the crowd, the opposition was so vocal, loud, and nasty that he was unable to successfully carry on his ministry. Paul had the maturity to recognize when he had lost his effectiveness and it was no longer profitable to debate with this audience. Had he stayed and fought longer or harder, it wouldn’t have produced anything of lasting quality and may have created an even worse situation. He perceived that his season in the synagogue was coming to a close, and it was the right time for him to move on to the next season in his ministry.

Likewise, if we will listen to the Holy Spirit, He will show us when to speak and when to be quiet — when to stay and when to move on. We must learn to be sensitive to the voice of the Holy Spirit in every situation. Then we can know when we are to remain in the battle or when it is wiser for us to withdraw, break camp, and relocate to new territory where greater victories will be won. The Holy Spirit will lead us — if we will quiet our hearts and listen for His voice.

When Paul realized that the battle in the Ephesian synagogue was counter-productive and no longer worth the effort, the Bible tells us, “…he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus” (Acts 19:9).

Every so often, occasions like this come to us in life — landmark moments when we must choose to make a break with where we are in order to move into the new place where God is calling us. Such moments can be difficult. However, just beyond our struggle is where we discover the greatest power of God. But once we are where God wants us and we surrender to the Holy Spirit, resurrection power is soon released in our lives. This is exactly what happened in Acts 19:9. It was only after Paul left the synagogue that God unleashed miracles in the city of Ephesus.

We don’t know how Paul felt when he left the synagogue. He may have had high hopes initially that the positive response he first received from this Jewish community would last. As he gathered his disciples and walked away from the synagogue to begin afresh in a new place, it’s possible that Paul felt heartbroken over the souls he had to leave behind. Perhaps he was tempted to feel discouraged or as if he had lost an important battle.

Regardless of how Paul may have felt, Acts 19:9 relates that he found an effective venue to continue preaching the Gospel as he “…disputed daily in the school of one Tyrannus.” It looked as if an important door for the Gospel were closing, but God had already prepared another, more effective place for Paul and his group of disciples to meet.

The same thing happens in our lives as we seek to obey God’s will. In moments when it looks like all is lost, we must remind ourselves that when a door closes, God is already behind the scenes, working to open another door. In Paul’s case, the door God opened was a place the Bible calls “the school of one Tyrannus.”

Paul’s entire stay in Ephesus lasted approximately three years. But regarding the apostle’s teaching ministry in the school of Tyrannus, Acts 19:10 states that Paul “…continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.”

The school of Tyrannus was located in the most prestigious areas of Ephesus — right in the central section of the city. Hour after hour, revelation and insight poured forth from the apostle for anyone who wished to listen. In fact, the verse goes on to say Paul’s teaching became so well known that “all they which dwelt in Asia” heard of it.

Of course, it was humanly impossible for Paul to personally preach to “all they which dwelt in Asia.” But Paul’s influence in Ephesus grew as he taught every day during those two years in this central location. Those who heard Paul’s teaching passed it along to others, and fellow team members were dispatched to start churches in other regions. As a result, the population of Asia was exposed to the Gospel in a very short period of time — a much greater result than if he had stayed in the synagogue, which provided the apostle a very limited audience. Although it seemed a great door had closed, it was actually the beginning of a glorious period in Paul’s ministry.

Today I want to tell you that if you sense a door is closing or a season is ending, it may turn out to be one of the best things that has ever happened to you. It may not be comfortable to go through this change, and it may be one of the most difficult things you’ve ever done. But if you put your eyes on the Lord and trust in Him, you’ll discover that He is working behind the scenes to prepare the next place for you.

Take that to heart today. Open your spiritual ears and listen to what the Holy Spirit is saying to you. He will show you when to stay and when to move on — when it is wiser to withdraw, break camp, and relocate to new territory where greater victories will be won. The Holy Spirit will lead you if you will quiet your heart and listen for His voice. One door may be closing, but another door is getting ready to open for you — and it could possibly be the most wonderful season of life you’ve ever known!

MY PRAYER FOR TODAY


Father, I needed this word today. I do feel that I’m beginning a new season in my life. Knowing how to move on has been the challenge for me. I ask You to give me wisdom to know what steps to take, discernment to know what to say and what not to say, and understanding as to how to do this in a manner pleasing to Jesus. For me to do this correctly, I need Your help and guidance. So, Holy Spirit, I open my spiritual ears to hear You, and I extend my hand for You to lead me through all the steps I need to take — until I land securely in the next place and the new season that You have ordained for my life.

I pray this in Jesus’ name!

 

MY CONFESSION FOR TODAY


I confess that God, by His Spirit, is leading me into the next season of my life. Although it is difficult to leave the present season, I know and declare that God is opening a new door for me and that the next season will be the most wonderful time I have ever known in my life thus far. Because I lean upon the Holy Spirit and I follow His voice, He will show me what to say, what not to say, what steps to take, and how to transition from where I am to where I am headed. The Holy Spirit is speaking to me and leading me, and I will end up in the next God-ordained place for my life.

I declare this by faith in Jesus’ name!

 

QUESTIONS FOR YOU TO CONSIDER

  1. Do you sense that a door is closing in your life? Why do you think that is the case? How is it closing?
  2. Can you see where you are headed? Paul didn’t know where he was going to teach until he made the decision to leave the synagogue. Are you stepping out in faith before you have all the answers, as Paul was required to do?
  3. Have you ever done anything like this before? Have you considered seeking counsel before you take this step just to make sure you’re on the right course?

And he had in his right hand seven stars… The seven stars are the angels [messengers] of the seven churches…
— Revelation 1:16,20

Did you know that Jesus symbolically likened pastors to “stars?” That’s right — that’s what the Bible tells us in Revelation 1:16 and 20. Why did Christ liken pastors to “stars,” and what does this tell us about pastors? If you have a pastor, I think you’ll really enjoy reading this Sparkling Gem. I believe this discussion today will deepen your appreciation and esteem for the gift God placed in your life when He gave you your pastor. And I pray it will fuel your desire to consistently pray for your pastor so his light shines strong and burns long for Jesus Christ!

The word “stars” comes from the Greek word asteras, which simply means stars — the same word we would use to describe the stars in the universe. The meaning of these stars is found in Revelation 1:20, where Jesus explained, “…The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches….” The word “angels” is from the Greek word angelos, which, in this case, refers to human messengers. Specifically, it referred to the pastors of the churches Christ was addressing.

Why did Jesus use “stars” to describe the pastors He was addressing in the book of Revelation? What was the symbolic significance of this, and what does the scriptural use of this metaphor tell us about the ministry of a pastor?

Let’s begin by pondering the following scientific facts about stars. Then we’ll see how these facts relate to pastoral ministry and why Christ likened pastors to stars.

Now let’s consider how these scientific facts about stars help explain why Jesus symbolically and spiritually compares pastors to stars.

From the facts and symbolic comparisons we’ve read today, we can see there are many similarities between pastors and stars. It’s an understatement to say that Christ knew these facts a long time before science knew them — that’s why He used stars symbolically to describe pastoral ministry.

In light of what we’ve read in today’s Sparkling Gem, let’s commit to praying daily for our pastors: 1) that they become everything God intends them to be; 2) that they will possess a sustained supply of spiritual energy at their core and shine as God intended them to shine; and that they’ll be empowered to provide the necessary guiding light for their congregations and communities. Our prayers of faith will avail much, impacting for eternity not only our pastors’ lives, but also every place and every person they are called to reach with the truth of the Gospel and the love of Jesus Christ!

MY PRAYER FOR TODAY


Heavenly Father, I thank You for what I have learned today about pastoral ministry. I specifically pray for my pastor — that he will have sufficient spiritual fuel in the core of his being for a long-lasting ministry; that my pastor’s ministry will be more stable and strong the older he gets; that my pastor will take his unique role among all pastors; that he knows the “orbit” designed and laid out for his pastoral ministry; and that he will fulfill the divine destiny that You have planned for his life. I thank You for the way my pastor serves, and I ask You, Father, to bless him abundantly. Give him the wisdom, power, and strength that is needed for a long-term ministry that brings forth much fruit for the Kingdom of Heaven.

I pray this in Jesus’ name!

 

MY CONFESSION FOR TODAY


Today I release my faith for my pastor. I specifically confess that my pastor has sufficient spiritual fuel in the core of his being for a long-lasting ministry; that my pastor’s ministry will be stable and stronger the older he gets; that my pastor will take his unique role among all pastors; that my pastor knows the orbit designed for his pastoral ministry; and that he will fulfill the divine destiny that You have planned for his life. I confess that You, Father, give my pastor the wisdom, power, and strength that is needed for a long-term ministry that brings forth much fruit for the Kingdom of Heaven.

I declare this by faith in Jesus’ name!

 

QUESTIONS FOR YOU TO CONSIDER

  1. Did you learn something new today about pastoral ministry? Of everything you read, what stood out above all else? What specifically will you carry with you from this Sparkling Gem?
  2. Not only does Jesus refer to pastors as stars, but also as Have you ever considered how your pastor is a God-sent angel to your church? What does this mean to you? What do you think of the Bible using this analogy to depict your pastor’s ministry?
  3. Do you regularly pray for your pastor? If the answer is no, maybe today would be a good day to add him or her to your prayer list and to begin regularly praying for your pastor to have the wisdom and strength to lead the church and give light to the community.

…His eyes were as a flame of fire.
— Revelation 1:14

In several previous Sparkling Gems, we studied the revelation of Jesus that John wrote while imprisoned on the island of Patmos (see January 27,28; March 15; August 22,31; September 6,8,21; November 10,11). Today I want us to focus on another important part of this supernatural vision. As John tried to focus his eyes on the brilliant image before him, one can only imagine how he might have strained to see through the bright light to the Person behind it. In Revelation 1:14, the apostle described the powerful moment when he finally gazed into the eyes of the risen Lord, declaring, “…His eyes were as a flame of fire.”

The words “his eyes” are a translation of the Greek phrase ophthalmoi autou. The word ophthalmoi is the plural Greek word for eyes, and it is where we get the word ophthalmology. The word autou simply means of him. When the two words are used together as one phrase, they carry a sense of wonder, as if to mean there was something about Jesus’ eyes that was unique and different from the eyes of all others. The Greek structure should literally be translated “the eyes of him” — emphasizing the fact that Jesus’ eyes were unequaled, unsurpassed, unmatched, and unlike anyone else’s eyes.

John says that when he looked into those eyes, they were “as a flame of fire.” The Greek word for “flame” is phloz, which describes swirling, whirling, flickering flames that bend, twist, turn, and arch upward. The word translated “fire” is puros, the Greek word for a burning fire. Thus, the phrase “flame of fire” depicts a brightly burning fire with flames swirling, whirling, flickering, twisting, turning, and arching upward toward the sky. This, then, is not a depiction of heat but of the character of fire.

Many readers misread this phrase and conclude that Jesus had real fire in His eyes. But John didn’t say that. He said that Jesus’ eyes were “as” a flame of fire. That word “as” means like, similar to, or with the same effect as fire. To understand what John was trying to communicate here, it is necessary to stop and think about the effect that a campfire or a fire in a fireplace has upon a person who stares at it for any length of time. The longer a person looks into a fire, the more the flickering flames have a magnetic, mesmerizing effect on his eyes, mind, and senses. Soon the person gazing into the fire gets lost in the swirling, turning, twisting flames that flicker back and forth as the wood crackles and pops and the flames reach upward and disappear out of sight. The fire has its own character, both captivating and sedating, drawing people near to watch the dance of its flames as it gives out its warmth.

These seem to be the qualities of fire that John thought of when he peered into Jesus’ eyes and became transfixed by what he saw. Although he had looked into those eyes thousands of times nearly 60 years earlier, something was different about these eyes. In the vision, Jesus’ eyes were compelling, irresistible, riveting, and gripping. They exuded intelligence and magnetism.

Like the flickering flames of a fire, those eyes drew John closer and captivated him completely. John must have been drawn by the warmth and love pouring forth from Jesus’ eyes. Yet that wasn’t all John saw, for Jesus’ eyes also burned with a searching gaze, looking intently into the seven churches in the book of Revelation to see and address their specific needs and problems.

“Fire” is an important symbol in Scripture and frequently represents purification and judgment. Which effect of divine fire we experience depends wholly on our response to God. If we as individuals, or as the Church at large, submit to the pleadings of the Holy Spirit and “hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches,” we will experience the first type of fire — a holy fire intended to purify and to make us more like Christ. The first fire is unavoidable for a Church that is submitted to the Lordship of Christ and to the dealings of the Holy Spirit; however, cooperating with this fire does not result in severe discipline.

On the other hand, if we resist the pleadings of the Holy Spirit and stubbornly continue to act in ways that are contrary to Christ’s character, there is a second type of fire that burns up chaff and consumes everything that stands opposed to God. Of course, God is merciful, and even this kind of fire is an act of His love and mercy. Consuming everything that is wrong and displeasing to Christ, this fire clears the way for genuine repentance so individuals or churches can rebuild with proper methods and behaviors that are compatible with Jesus’ nature.

Jesus’ intense, searching eyes, which seemed “as” a flame of fire, captivated John’s attention and signaled to the apostle that the Head of the Church had examined the seven churches in Asia and was preparing to deliver a potent message. Some of these churches were about to be encouraged by the words of Christ — such as the churches of Smyrna and Philadelphia, which received no correction at all. The other five churches — Ephesus, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, and Laodicea — were about to be warned of impending judgment if they didn’t repent. As King and Head of the Church, Christ had every right to search the churches and require them to change.

This may explain why Jesus appeared to the apostle John first as King (see Revelation 1:5) and second as the Great High Priest (see Revelation 1:13). Five of the seven churches were on the verge of judgment, and Jesus, their Great High Priest, was interceding for them. The very fact that He came to warn them meant He did not want to judge them. If they were willing to hear the Holy Spirit’s voice and repent, they could avoid the fires that bring judgment. What happened next would depend on whether or not the churches chose to hear the Savior’s pleading and submit to His commands. The type of fire these churches experienced would depend on their response — but the fire of God was coming.

How we respond to the dealings of God determines which kind of fire we will experience. Will it be a fire that purifies and takes us to a higher level in the Lord, or will it be a fire that burns up the chaff in our lives that we haven’t been willing to surrender on our own? The choice is ours, but the fact is, that divine fire will come, whether we like it or not.

So today I urge you to willfully examine your heart. If you find that you have chaff that is destined to be burned, get rid of it yourself so that you can avoid the fire that burns up chaff — and prepare yourself to accept the holy fire that comes to purify and to take you higher in your walk with the Lord. I know that this is the deepest desire of your heart!

MY PRAYER FOR TODAY


Father, I thank You that Your love for me is so intense that You want to burn up the chaff in my life. Your highest will is for me to surrender these problem areas to You so I do not have to experience that chaff-burning fire. Instead I would experience the holy fire that comes to purify me and take me higher in my walk in the Spirit. So today, Holy Spirit, I ask You to help me examine my heart and willfully surrender those chaff-areas of my life that do not reflect Your character or Your purpose for my life. Open my heart to Your holy, purifying fire, oh God, that I may be cleansed to ascend into the high places of Your glory!

I pray this in Jesus’ name!

 

MY CONFESSION FOR TODAY


I purpose in my heart to respond humbly to the dealing of God so that His fire that kindles upon me will ignite me into a burning flame for His glory. Daily I choose to walk before the Lord in a way that His holy fire will purify and take me to a higher level in Him. I know that the fire of God will burn up the chaff of self-willed works and ways that I wasn’t willing to surrender on my own. The choice is mine, and I choose to yield to the refining fire because I know that, whether I like it or not, divine fire will come. And when its fires try the metal of my life, I want all that remains of me through the flames to be found before Him as pure gold.

I declare this by faith in Jesus’ name!

 

QUESTIONS FOR YOU TO CONSIDER

  1. Have you ever had a time when the fire of God came to burn “chaff” out of your life? Can you describe what that experience was like? When did that happen? Is it something that you are going through right now?
  2. The holy purifying fire of God comes to make us ready for higher realms of God’s glory. Have you experienced that type of divine fire? Have you ever been in a church service where it felt like the holy, purifying, sanctifying fire of God fell upon the congregation?
  3. When you think of Jesus’ eyes being “as” a flame of fire, what does that mean to you?

And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.
— Revelation 1:13

When John received his vision of the exalted Christ while imprisoned on the island of Patmos, the elderly apostle took note of several prominent features of Jesus’ appearance. One such feature was His garment. In Revelation 1:13, he wrote that Christ was “…clothed with a garment down to the foot….” Today we will take a careful look at this phrase and see what it tells us about the Person of Jesus and why it matters to you as a child of God.

The word “clothed” is derived from the Greek word enduo, a term that referred to one who is dressed in a garment. But it must be noted that the Greek tense used in Revelation 1:13 implies that this particular garment was conferred upon Christ once and for all. He was given this garment by the Father and will be thus clothed forevermore. The Greek tense literally means Jesus was clothed; He is clothed; and He will always be clothed with this particular garment that reaches “down to the foot.”

The phrase “down to the foot” is a translation of poderes, a Greek word used only this one time in the entire New Testament. It describes a robe that flows all the way down to the ankles but leaves the feet exposed. The word poderes is also used seven times in the Old Testament Greek Septuagint to describe the attire of the high priest.

Perhaps the best example of this word poderes is found in Exodus 28, where God told Moses how to make “holy garments” for Aaron and his sons, who would serve as priests. The priestly garment was to be made of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet thread and fine woven linen. It was to reach down to the ankles, exactly like the robe Christ was wearing in John’s vision. For this reason, one symbolic meaning of the garment Jesus wore in John’s vision was to portray Him in His role as our Great High Priest!

The ministry of Jesus Christ as our High Priest is one of the most important themes of the New Testament. Jesus was clothed with priestly garments; He is clothed with priestly garments; and He will always be clothed with priestly garments — because He is forever the High Priest of our confession.

The way Jesus was clothed when He appeared to John sent an extremely important message to the apostle and to the Church at large. John was about to receive Jesus’ messages for the seven churches in the Roman province of Asia, some of which would contain correction and stern yet loving rebukes from Christ in response to wrong beliefs and behaviors that were emerging in these congregations. However, by appearing to John as High Priest, Jesus’ intercessory ministry was the prominent feature the apostle noticed before anything else. It proclaimed that Jesus was the Great High Priest who was praying for the churches.

We saw in the September 6 Sparkling Gem that Jesus revealed Himself in Revelation 1:5 first and foremost as the Prince and Supreme Sovereign of the kings of the earth. But in Revelation 1:13, He appeared as High Priest, thus affirming that He was standing in His priestly role, interceding for the churches He was about to discipline and correct. Before He appeared with feet of bronze, representing judgment, He appeared as the Great High Priest who was praying for them — that they might repent before He needed to apply His feet of judgment.

But John’s description of Jesus’ “garment down to the foot” also portrayed the intercessory ministry of Jesus, which will never change. This is an office that was once and for all conferred upon Christ and is unchangeable. Jesus was, is, and will always be interceding on behalf of the Church that He purchased with His own blood.

Hebrews 7:25 declares that Jesus lives to make intercession for us. Dressed in His high priestly garments, He sits in the holy presence of the Father and intercedes on our behalf.

That means Jesus is praying and interceding for you right now. So what is stopping you from coming to Him today with the needs and desires that are on your heart? Jesus was, is, and forever will be your Great High Priest. He is waiting for you to come boldly into His presence to present your needs and desires!

MY PRAYER FOR TODAY


Father, I thank You that Jesus is in Your Presence as my Great High Priest, where He ever lives to make intercession for me and for those who belong to Him. I thank You that I have no need to be ashamed or embarrassed when I come to You through Him, because He has thrown open the door and invited me to come boldly to the throne of grace to receive help and assistance in my time of need. I am so thankful for this high priestly ministry of Jesus — that He was, is, and forever will be my Great High Priest!

I pray this in Jesus’ name!

 

MY CONFESSION FOR TODAY


I declare that Jesus is my Great High Priest. Seated at the right hand of the Father, He lives to make intercession for me. Jesus, my High Priest, is touched with the feeling of my infirmity. I have no need to be ashamed or embarrassed when I come before the Father through Him, because He has given me unrestricted access and invited me to come boldly to the throne of grace to obtain help in my time of need.

I declare this by faith in Jesus’ name!

 

QUESTIONS FOR YOU TO CONSIDER

  1. What needs and desires should you boldly present to Jesus at the throne of grace? He is waiting for you — so what is stopping you from coming to Him with those needs and desires?
  2. Can you imagine Jesus dressed in high priestly garments in the presence of the Father, where He ever lives to make intercession for those who come to Him by faith? Why don’t you put everything on pause for a moment and try to mentally picture the image of Jesus in this capacity, waiting for you to come to Him?
  3. What does it mean to you when the Bible says we can “come boldly” to the throne of grace? What does the word “boldly” communicate to you?

 

…And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; and in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man….
— Revelation 1:12,13

We live in a day and hour when some people act as if they are embarrassed to be affiliated with the Church. Perhaps something happened at their church that disappointed them with that local body and its leadership. But regardless of the reason, they have distanced themselves from the Church.

But I want to tell you that even though the Church as a whole has many imperfections, Jesus is not ashamed of His Church!

We may be tempted to feel dismayed about the carnality that sometimes seem so pervasive in the contemporary Church, but it’s important for us to remember that Jesus paid the highest price of all for the Church, He loves His people, and He still remains in the midst of them. In fact, when the apostle John recorded the vision He had in the book of Revelation, he wrote that He saw Jesus standing right in the midst of the seven candlesticks, which were symbolic of the Church. This means Christ was standing right in the midst of the Church when John saw Him in this vision.

Revelation 1:12,13 says, “…And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; and in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man.…”

The word “midst” is the Greek word mesos, which can be translated as in the midst, in the middle, or in the center. Thus, this word portrays Jesus standing right in the very center of the Church. The seven churches in the book of Revelation were most likely the leading congregations of Asia. Yet despite their prominent status, these local churches had problems — some of which were of a very serious nature. Nevertheless, Jesus didn’t distance Himself from these churches. Regardless of their imperfections and problems, He stood right in the very midst of them.

This close proximity infers that Jesus is not ashamed of His Church, even though it is comprised of flawed human beings. In fact, having purchased their redemption through His death and resurrection, Jesus is delighted to abide in the midst of His blood-bought people!

In the vision, John saw Jesus standing like a Great Overseer in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks, His eyes focused on them. This explains Jesus’ intimate knowledge about each of these seven congregations and the reason He would later say to each of them, “I know thy works” (see Revelation 2:2; 2:9; 2:13; 2:19; 3:1; 3:8; 3:15).

This word “know” that appears in all these verses is the Greek word oida. It comes from a Greek root that means to see. Thus, the word oida in these scriptures describes what Jesus had seen personally, not what He had obtained from an outside source. This was knowledge based on personal observation. By standing in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks — or in the midst of those seven churches — Jesus was in a position to see everything that happened in those churches, both good and bad.

This should be taken as both an encouragement and a warning to the Church of every age. As the Head of the Church, Jesus stands in the midst of His people, lovingly overseeing everything that transpires, both positive and negative. He knows from personal observation every victory won, every misstep taken, every challenge faced, and every demonic attack withstood.

In every case I just noted, the word “see” in the corresponding verses is the Greek word oida — which is used seven times to affirm that Christ knew all of this by His personal observation of these local churches. Christ was so close — so centered on these congregations — that all of these conditions were visible to His eyes. But notice this: The blemishes did not turn Jesus away. He still stood in the midst of the Church, for He loved it enough to pay for it with His own blood.

Likewise, Jesus stands in the midst of His people today, overseeing all the activities that transpire among them. He sees both the good and the bad. He sees their love, faith, patience, and commitment. He also sees the actions that are out of line with His character and His plan for the Church. And as has been true throughout the centuries, if His people will listen, they will still hear the voice of Jesus, urging them to hear what He is saying to His Church and to repent wherever repentance is needed.

But Christ is not ashamed of His Church — He is standing right in the very middle of it! In spite of its imperfections, Christ loves His Church!

If you know those who are embarrassed of the Church (and maybe that describes you), help them remember — or remind yourself — that Christ in all His holiness and perfection is not ashamed. Rather, He draws near to oversee the Church, to pray for it, and to bring the correction that it needs. Jesus has not abandoned His Church, and He never will !

MY PRAYER FOR TODAY


Father, I thank You for reminding me of Your great love for the Church in spite of all of its present blemishes, flaws, and imperfections. Forgive me — and forgive others — when we have been judgmental of Your precious Church and have been ashamed or embarrassed of it. We have actually been judgmental of ourselves because we are Your Body, the Church, members one of another. You are right in the midst of the Church; therefore, I refuse to criticize what You have given Your life for and invested Yourself in so completely. I thank You for bringing correction and encouragement to my heart today. I repent for any judgmental attitude about your Church or its leadership, and I receive Your forgiveness. Help me keep a right heart attitude.

I pray this in Jesus’ name!

 

MY CONFESSION FOR TODAY


I boldly confess that I love the Church of Jesus Christ, and I am thankful to be a member of it. I regret holding a critical attitude, and I repent of it right now. I make the decision to change the way I see the Church and how I speak about the Church. Most of all, I make the decision to pray for the Church. Christ loves the Church as His own Body, therefore, I refuse to despise Christ Himself by ill-esteeming His own Body — of which I, too, am a part! Since Christ is in the midst of the Church, I set my affection and devotion in the midst of the Church. I acknowledge this, I accept it, and I conform my beliefs and my actions to this declaration of faith. With the help of God’s Spirit working in my heart and mind, I will maintain a good, positive, faith-filled attitude toward the Church and its leadership, especially when I see imperfections that seem glaringly obvious to me. Who am I to judge another man’s servant? Before his own master he rises or falls, but God is able to make him stand. My responsibility is to pray so that I am not judged in the same critical way.

I declare this by faith in Jesus’ name!

 

QUESTIONS FOR YOU TO CONSIDER

  1. Do you know anyone who got “turned off” by the Church, became critical of it, and, as a result, stopped going to church altogether? Who is that person? What can you do to woo that individual into fellowship with the saints again?
  2. Have you ever realized that as long as human beings are members of the Church — including you and me — it will be flawed? If you think about it, it’s a great work of grace that Jesus’ blood washed us and cleansed us and that He placed us inside His Church. He accepted us in the Beloved and made us a part of His Body. Isn’t that a miracle for us to ponder?
  3. If you’ve been negative about the Church and have spoken about it negatively to others, did you ever think about the ramifications that your negative words could have on others — how your remarks could also make them negative about the Church? If you’ve participated in such negative conversations, what should you do now to make it right?

And when Paul would have entered in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not. And certain of the chief of Asia, which were his friends, sent unto him, desiring him that he would not adventure himself into the theatre.
— Acts 19:30,31

The book of Acts relates an interesting story about the apostle Paul in which he was about to endanger his life until his friends stepped in, took control of the situation, and saved him from danger. Today I want to tell you about that event — and as you read, I want you to think about the times God has used family, friends, or acquaintances to save you from mistakes you were about to make!

We find the account in Acts 19. A huge demonstration against Christians took place in the Great Theater of Ephesus. Concerned about the negative impact that the Gospel was having on their businesses, angry rioters took to the streets and dragged several of Paul’s companions into the theater (see v. 29).

When Paul heard what was happening, he wanted to rush into the demonstration and join his detained friends. The Bible doesn’t tell us why he wanted to do this. Maybe he thought he could save them from being hurt, or perhaps he wanted to be alongside them because they were his traveling companions.

However, regardless of Paul’s motivation, the Bible tells us that his friends immediately stepped in to convince him otherwise. Acts 19:30,31 records: “And when Paul would have entered in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not. And certain of the chief of Asia, which were his friends, sent unto him, desiring him that he would not adventure himself into the theatre.”

Notice verse 30 states that Paul “…would have entered in unto the people….” The word “would” here is a translation of the Greek word boulemai, meaning to counsel, to advise, or to exercise one’s will about something. In this context, it means that after thinking through all the consequences of his decision, Paul counseled himself and made up his mind to enter the theater. Fully realizing that doing so could place his life in jeopardy, Paul still concluded that he should join his friends in their plight.

Verse 30 goes on to say that Paul “…would have entered in unto the people….” The word “people” is the Greek word demos. In this context, the word demos refers to a large mass of people. The Great Theater of Ephesus seated approximately 24,000 people — and the use of the word demos in verse 30 indicates that the seats were nearly packed by the time Paul decided to join the fray. As the screams and shouts of the rioters reverberated throughout the city, people came from every quarter of Ephesus to investigate the source of the disturbance.

As Paul began to make his way toward the Great Theater, Acts 19:30 says, “…The disciples suffered him not.” When this verse states that the disciples prohibited Paul from entering the Great Theater of Ephesus, it refers to ardent followers — serious students who believed in Paul and felt a strong allegiance to him and to his ministry. Therefore, when they saw that the apostle had determined to enter the theater, they took action to stop him.

It is natural that Paul wanted to join his ministry associates when they potentially faced trouble in the theater. However, although this act of courage may at first appear heroic, it could have resulted in Paul’s premature death and the end of his ministry. If he had done as he planned and suffered death as a result, the loss of his ministry at that time would have been a devastating blow to the work of God’s Kingdom.

These verses provide a vivid example of how God often uses friends and disciples to stop us from making mistakes that may have devastating consequences. Paul’s desire to enter the theater may have seemed like the right thing to do at that moment. But the apostle had much more work to do, and those who were committed to him and his ministry stepped forward — possibly against his will — to stop him from making a mistake that could have had life-threatening ramifications.

And it wasn’t only Paul’s disciples who tried to stop him from entering the theater. Even pagan unbelievers who respected the apostle knew that this wasn’t the right thing for him to do. Acts 19:31 says, “And certain of the chief of Asia, which were his friends, sent unto him, desiring him that he would not adventure himself into the theatre.”

The “certain of the chief of Asia” is a translation of the word Asiarch, which is a title derived from the word Asia and archos. The word Asia, of course, referred to that region of the world. The word archos is the Greek word that describes someone of a high rank or position. When the two words were compounded, the new word became a particular title given to ten high-ranking men throughout Asia Minor as representatives of the Roman emperor.

This is a very important point because it reveals that Paul’s ministry had permeated the lofty classes of society. Just as Jesus had been a friend to sinners and tax collectors, Paul was a friend to the local Asiarch — a prestigious unbeliever who served the emperor. This man had been sufficiently exposed to Paul to develop a strong respect for him. So when the Asiarch suddenly became aware of Paul’s intention to enter the theater, he and his high-ranking associates took action to prevent him from being personally injured as a result of such a rash action.

Paul was a spiritual man, but God used others to redirect Paul’s steps and prohibit him from taking a detrimental course of action — as the Lord often does with His people. In this case, He came from every direction, using both believing disciples and high-ranking pagans to stop Paul from taking a step that could have resulted in tragedy.

Acts 19 doesn’t tell us whether or not Paul agreed with those who protested his intention to enter the theater. Regardless of how the apostle felt about the situation, however, it remains a fact that their actions stopped the apostle from acting on a potentially tragic decision. I’m sure when the event was finished, Paul was thankful for the actions of his friends that intervened on his behalf that day.

Can you think of a time when God used family, friends, or associates to help navigate you through a difficult time or to redirect you when you were about to make a fateful decision? Or maybe there was a moment when God used you to do this for someone else.

We may not always appreciate it when our friends act on our behalf, but when the situation calms down and we see things from a different perspective, we often realize that God was using our friends to spare us. Later we are thankful that God used them to help us when we didn’t see things so correctly.

Why don’t you stop and thank God today for the family, friends, and acquaintances that God has used in your life in a similar way?

MY PRAYER FOR TODAY


Heavenly Father, I acknowledge and repent for being stubborn. I admit that my decisions have not always been right, and there have been moments when You have used friends and associates to stop me from acting in a way that might harm me. At the time, I didn’t like their advice and their actions, but after I calmed down I came to realize that You had intervened in my life by using them to help redirect my steps. Thank You for loving me so much that You would use others to help navigate me through difficult moments. I am so grateful for the friends and influences You’ve positioned along my path in life who have helped me when I didn’t even know I was going the wrong way. My heart is filled with thanksgiving for this today!

I pray this in Jesus’ name!

 

MY CONFESSION FOR TODAY


I confess that I walk among the wise, and I give attention to the voice of wisdom. God loves me so much that He will place people around me who speak truth to me and help me when I don’t even know that I need help. When I am about to make a wrong decision or take an action that could be detrimental to me, they speak up and I listen to what they have to say. I declare that I will be open-hearted to them and will hear the voice of God speaking to me through friends when I need His voice to come to me in that way!

I declare this by faith in Jesus’ name!

 

QUESTIONS FOR YOU TO CONSIDER

  1. Can you think of a time when God used certain people in your life to spare you from a wrong decision that you were about to make? When was that experience, and how did God use them to stop you from going in a wrong direction?
  2. Have you ever taken time to thank that person(s) for loving you enough to step forward and to act on your behalf — even if they risked your friendship to do so? What if they had said nothing? What would have happened? Don’t you think it’s right for you to take the time to call them, write them a note, or find some way to express your thankfulness to them for what they did?
  3. Has God ever used you to spare other individuals from making a bad decision? When was that event? What would have happened if you had just let them do what they had planned to do? Were you later thankful that you had the courage to speak up and act on their behalf?

…In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
— John 16:33

What good news that is to know — Jesus has overcome the world! John 16:33 has been a source of strength and encouragement to Christians for nearly 2,000 years — and it still speaks to us today as we face difficult periods in our lives. Jesus assures us, “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

Think about that! Regardless of what challenge or trial you or I face in the days to come, Christ declared that our correct position of faith is to “be of good cheer” because He has overcome it already!

You may say, “But you don’t understand the difficult time I’m facing right now. Has Christ really overcome everything that I will face in life?” Yes, everything — including the most diffi- cult moments of your life!

To make the point, John 16:33 uses the word “tribulation.” Let’s look at this word “tribulation” to see exactly what Jesus was saying to us. In Greek, it is the word thlipsis, a word that describes distress, affliction, or trouble that is very intense. Jesus declared that He had overcome all of these. However, by using this word, Jesus recognized that times would not always be easy for those who choose to follow Him. Yet regardless of what the world or the devil tries to throw at us, Christ soundly declared — and still declares today, “…But be of good cheer; I have overcome the world!”

The words “good cheer” come from the Greek word tharseo. A more accurate rendering would be “take heart!” — and it also conveys the idea of “be courageous!” It is a word spoken to strengthen someone who was facing a hardship or trial. If you translate the verse more literally, Jesus said, “In this world you will go through some distressing times, but take heart and be courageous….”

Then Jesus went on to assure His disciples, “…I have overcome the world.” The word “overcome” comes from the Greek word nikos, which can be translated to overcome but is also the word for victory. However, the grammar used in this verse doesn’t imply a single victory; rather, it denotes a continuous, abiding victory both now and in the future. Therefore, the idea presented in Jesus’ statement could be interpreted, “I have overcome the world; I am overcoming the world; and I will always be overcoming the world.”

Let the memory of these words provide great encouragement and strength to you whenever you face difficult times. Even if it seems like the entire world is trying to wipe you out, you can hold on to the promise that Jesus has overcome the world; He is overcoming the world; and He will always overcome the world. So regardless of what you are facing today, you can hold fast to that knowledge by faith: Jesus has already overcome the world — and He is with you to help you enforce the victory you possess in Him in the midst of whatever you are facing.

So instead of letting the devil discourage you with thoughts that there is no hope or that you cannot overcome the struggles that seem to be attacking you from every side, grab hold of the truth and declare that Jesus is with you and that you will — with Jesus’ help — overcome the world too!

MY PRAYER FOR TODAY


Father, I thank You that You sent Jesus — and that Jesus has overcome the world in every respect. Regardless of what the devil tries to do, Jesus has already overcome it. I do not have to lose heart or be discouraged. I can lift my head, throw my shoulders back, and rejoice, because Jesus has overcome the world and deprived it of its power to harm me. I am more than a con- queror through Jesus Christ, who has given me His overcoming power to make me triumphant in this life!

I pray this in Jesus’ name!

 

MY CONFESSION FOR TODAY


I boldly confess that Jesus Christ is Lord over all! Jesus is Lord over every foe and every enemy I face in my life. Jesus didn’t partially overcome the world; He completely overcame it. And because I am in Christ, I share in this glorious victory! Jesus said to take heart and to be coura- geous, so today I take heart and face the future with courage. I am not a victim to my circum- stances because Jesus died on the Cross, defeated the enemy, and rose from the dead victorious over all. He has literally overcome everything that needs to be overcome, and now He shares that glorious victory with me!

I declare this by faith in Jesus’ name!

 

QUESTIONS FOR YOU TO CONSIDER

  1. In what areas of your life are you overcoming right now?
  2. Have you ever pondered the truth that Jesus already overcame everything you will ever face and that He will give you His overcoming power? Do you know how to receive that overcoming power? If so, how?
  3. In what ways did the Holy Spirit speak to you as you read this Sparkling Gem?

Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison….
— Revelation 2:10

God loves you so much that if you will listen to His Spirit, He will forewarn and prepare you for things to come — whatever it is that you are to face. A perfect example of this forewarning and preparing is found in Revelation 2:10, where Jesus said, “Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried.…”

At the time that Jesus spoke these words, He was speaking to the church at Smyrna, who was suffering great persecution. He was forewarning them so they would be prepared by knowing that some of them are going to be put into prison and tried. Rather than let this event take them by surprise, Christ wanted them to know in advance, so He lovingly informed them of what the future held.

Being put in prison is a harrowing ordeal under any circumstance. But to be thrown into a Roman prison was a horrid prospect to contemplate. Thus, with great love, Christ forewarned the church of Smyrna that the devil was going to use this experience to test the commitment and steadfastness of their faith.

The word “tried” is the Greek word peiradzo, which describes a calculated test deliberately designed to expose any deficiency. By using this word, Jesus made it clear that the hardships these Christians would endure were intended to test them to see if their faith was genuine. They had confessed Jesus as Lord, and soon Satan would “try” them to discover if their commitment to Christ’s Lordship was truly sincere. Just as the devil tempted Jesus in the wilderness (see Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13), the enemy was now preparing to tempt these believers with persecutions beyond anything they had ever endured or imagined.

Believers throughout the Roman Empire were undergoing persecution as well. When the apostle Peter wrote to the believers in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, he referred to the fiery trials that were testing their faith: “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:7).

Both Scripture and experience confirm that a faith declaration often triggers a devilish attack. Satan’s purpose was to test the sincerity of these believers’ faith to see if they would break under pressure. Therefore, Christ warned the church that these present and imminent attacks would verify whether or not they were really committed to the faith they had publicly declared. If there was any deficiency in their faith, those fiery trials would expose it, for the devil would design this calculated test to break them. Some would succumb to his attacks and recant their faith — but the majority of those who were to be “tried” would endure and prove themselves faithful, even unto death.

Jesus had more to say about what was to come: “Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation…” (Revelation 2:10).

The word “tribulation” reveals how intense these fires of testing would be. It is the Greek word thlipsis. The word thlipsis conveys the idea of a burden that is crushing, debilitating, or overpowering. Most often, the word thlipsis was used in connection with displays of extreme hostility or torture. Christ used the word to forecast a time of distress, oppression, pressure, and stress. This word “tribulation” may be understood as a clarification of the word “tried.” The tests the church of Smyrna was about to endure would be crushing, debilitating, and overpowering, resulting in great distress, oppression, pressure, and stress.

It is interesting that although Christ told these believers, “Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer…,” He didn’t hesitate to tell them that very difficult times awaited them. Jesus knew that Satan was about to unleash a horrendous onslaught against these believers to attack their faith — but He also knew they could endure this test because their faith was indeed genuine.

Jesus then went on to promise that this time of tribulation would last only for a limited period of time. He said, “Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days…” (Revelation 2:10).

Jesus knew that the intense, impending bombardment would seem unending to the congregation. So when He asserted, “…Ye shall have tribulation ten days….” The phrase “ten days” was meant to give encouragement and hope to the suffering church — letting these believers know that their hardships wouldn’t endure forever. Theologian Albert Barnes noted that the reference to “ten days” refers to “a short time; a brief period; a few days.”12 Bible scholar Henry Alford suggested, “The expression is probably used to signify a short and limited time.”13 Christ is so kind and merciful that He forewarned the believers in Smyrna of this time of persecution so they wouldn’t be taken by surprise. And as He promised, that time of tribulation did come to an end!

Hard times are inescapable in this life, but God’s power always has and always will continue to sustain those who are determined to be faithful to Him. Even if the fires of adversity rage and it seems as if they will never cease, those trials are temporary and will eventually come to an end. Almost 2,000 years of Church history have proven that the persecuted Church always comes forth purer than gold and mightier in the Spirit. The spiritual darkness may seem overpowering at times as Satan fiercely attempts to blot out the light of truth. But as John 1:5 promises, the light cannot be held perpetually under the domain of darkness. Victory belongs to those who endure to the end (see Matthew 10:22).

History bears witness that the Spirit of God always warns His people in advance when difficult times are coming. There are abundant historical records spanning the centuries that relate accounts of believers and missionaries in hostile nations throughout the world who were forewarned by the Holy Spirit of future hardships. Such divine warnings are intended to prepare believers to face the impending challenges, if they will hear and heed the voice of the Spirit.

Jesus lovingly prepared His people for the turbulent times that awaited them. It is imperative that in your time, you keep your heart open so that you can hear what the Spirit of God is saying to you about your future. There is one thing for sure: His goal is always to cause you to triumph (see 2 Corinthians 2:14). If you’ll keep your ear tuned to Him, He will be faithful by His Spirit to forewarn you and prepare you for the times to come — and then He will empower you to walk through every single situation as more than a conqueror in Him (see Romans 8:37)!

12Albert Barnes, Notes on the Bible (Blackie & Son, London, 1884-85; Reprinted by Baker Books, 1996), Revelation 2:10.

13Henry Alford, Greek Testament Critical Exegetical Commentary (Boston: Lee & Shepard, 1878), Volume IV.

MY PRAYER FOR TODAY


Father, I thank You that Your love for the Church is so strong that You forewarn and prepare us for the days ahead. Please forgive me for the times when You tried to warn me but I didn’t listen — and help me open my heart to hear what You are saying to me now about the times to come. Regardless of what the future holds, I know that You are Lord of all and that You made me to be an overcomer. I pray for a flood of the Holy Spirit’s power to be unleashed in my life in these last days so that I will have everything I need to brave any storm and emerge victorious on the other side!

I pray this in Jesus’ name!

 

MY CONFESSION FOR TODAY


I confess that my spiritual ears are open and I am attuned to what the Holy Spirit is telling me about the present and the days ahead. The future will not take me by surprise, because I am listening to the Holy Spirit, and He reveals to me what I need to know. Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would show us things to come, and I declare that my spirit is wide-awake and alert to hear the Spirit’s forecast about the future. I am filled with the Holy Spirit; therefore, He gives me all the strength and energy I need to outlast any storm the devil ever tries to send my way. With the help of the Holy Spirit, I will come out on the other side of any difficulty as an overcomer!

I declare this by faith in Jesus’ name!

 

QUESTIONS FOR YOU TO CONSIDER

  1. Are you aware of any times in history when the Holy Spirit warned people in advance that difficult times were coming? Can you think of other examples in the Old or New Testament when the Spirit of God forewarned and prepared people for coming difficult times?
  2. What is the Holy Spirit saying to you about your future? What does the Bible prophesy about believers living in the last days?
  3. If the Holy Spirit and the Word of God speak directly about the life before you, what steps should you take to prepare for those times? What steps can be taken right now to be sure you ride through any storm victoriously?